I. AM. APPRECIATED. AND. LOVED!!
I want to explain that, but need to put a caveat on what I am going to say lest it be misunderstood. Caveat: I have felt God’s “call” on my life for well…about all my life. Other than the dreams of being a professional baseball player or a professional basketball player (do you know any 6’5″ white guys who can jump?), my mother always told me I talked about being a preacher. I can equally remember her pulling me aside and asking me to make sure my motives were right. “Pastors are given special privileges and are looked up to by many people. Make sure you are doing this because you feel God has led you to it.” Being a pastor is a privilege in my book. Not better than anyone else, but one that I do not take lightly. What I did not know-and my mom did not tell me- is that sometimes being a pastor is also a lonely job. It can be thankless. It can be tiring. It can be stressful. It can also be filled with beauty. Love. Excitement. And a thousand other words that move along that line. I have had my share of highs and lows; goods and bads; victories and defeats. The same as any other job. That is one reason I do not want to be put on a pedestal and don’t seek special privileges. There is danger in becoming isolated. Arrogant. Opinionated. Martyr. Lonely. Did I also say under-appreciated?
BEEN THERE. DONE BEEN ALL OF THOSE.
I have served churches that barely recognize the pastor has needs (of any kind). I have served churches where any compliment was like pulling teeth. I have also served where it was a natural “flow” from the people. To set the record straight: I no longer go looking for pats-on-the-back.
I say all that because I came to the office Wednesday morning to a desk covered in cards. I didn’t even know this church knew about Pastor Appreciation Month, and yet, my desk was covered with cards. Holy Hallmark Batman! Some were funny. Some downright hilarious. Some serious. Some containing notes that had me a blubbering idiot (not meant to be negative name call 
). I was totally blown away by their thoughts. Some even gave a small gift. (My secretary gave me a York Peppermint Patty). 
What they will never know is how much this meant to me. It was the pick-me-up I so badly needed. Sure I cried. Who wouldn’t? But they were good tears. To know one is loved is the greatest gift (and tears) of all.
Your turn. Has someone shown you appreciation lately? How so? Have you shown someone you appreciate them?
Sometimes the little things are the most special. One day I put a piece of bubble gum into my daughter’s lunch as a little treat. She called me that night and thanked me for it. She rarely calls me on nights that she isn’t with me. This was a few years ago, and it has stayed with me.
it is often the little things that stick with people the most. Proof positive is your story.
Bosses Day and my birthday were during the same week a couple of weeks ago. My team gave me a gift for each. It was awesome.
That’s cool. Sort of makes you feel like you might be doing something right.
I knew about it
As for the appreciation- in the profession I have chosen appreciation is not forthcoming- in fact, most of the time we are looked at as glorified babysitters, lazy people who don’t work all year (whatever!), and are criticized WAY more than appreciated. That’s why when I do get the rare appreciation I hold on to it and treasure it- even from my former first graders (I still have the note one of them wrote me). That is why I do what I do- for the kids (not for the accolades because I would be waiting for a LONG time!).
You knew about it and didn’t send a card? How rude (to borrow a phrase from one of your favorite shows at one time).
I know teachers are often taken for granted. It is teachers like you who do it for the kids that we need more of. Love you much.
I had a birthday recently and even though unpublicized many friends sent me cards and a few gag gifts. I also have tried to be intentional about showing my appreciation for others at this point in my life. They both feel good… Tis better to give than to receive. Lucky for you!
It is nice for others to acknowledge your special days. but I also enjoy doing it as well.
Aww..how encouraging! The thing that gets me is how simple it was for each member of your congregation to bless you in that way. I know for me it’s the smallest comments from my wife or friends that get me the most motivated, inspired, and encouraged.
it was encouraging to me. At just the right time. It is often the smallest acts that make a difference.
I try and go out of my way to make sure everyone I know knows that I appreciate them, and even those I don’t! It just makes me feel good showing them that I do.
That is a good practice Ed. You never know who you might make a difference to with your words.
Just thinking about you going in and seeing that desk of cards has ME crying. ! Don’t ask how that works. haha! I’m just so thankful that they did that for you.
I have to admit to some tears also Deb. I was so overwhelmed.
It was a great day for me. Much needed at that time.